Factory Engraved Number 2 Army?

BMur · #1 01-28-2020, 07:50 PM

I don’t know much about these # 2’s. Ok, I don’t know squat.
I do like them and have only 2 in my collection. The one that’s photo’d looks “ Exactly” like one of mine regarding the engraving. They could be called twins!
Also Ivory grips etc. The one photo’d is serial number 13,000 range where as mine is in the 18,000 range. I was wondering before I pursue a letter? Is this a known (proven) “Factory Engraved” pattern? I also want to letter mine to confirm the age of the ivory so any opinions on the Ivory grips would also be appreciated! Maybe someone has one that’s lettered in this exact pattern? Thanks in advance.

Murph

opoefc · #2 01-29-2020, 03:58 PM

Murph, At the time Model 2s of the vintage of yours were being shipped, S&W did not have a full time in house engraver and usually used local Springfield contract engravers, or dealer engravers to fill orders for engraved, and/or presentation Model 2s, in most cases. The pictured Model 2's engraving is typical better quality for the period and my guess would be that it is dealer done. Roy Jinks often letters similar engraved guns a "factory" on the theory that the work was ordered from the dealer, by the factory, and I agree with that premise. Whether a letter would indicate the gun was shipped with Ivory stocks, is problematical. In my experience similar situations seem to usually letter as a plain dealer shipped gun and the stocks & engraving were dealer added, however sometimes that was at the factory's request to fill a special order. Ed.

mmaher94087 · #3 01-29-2020, 11:08 PM

I agree with Ed. "..on the theory that the work was ordered from the dealer, by the factory..". I have a full plate 1st Model, 1st Issue that letters as being plated for the factory before being shipped. This could be your scenario also with the engraving.